AMERICA AND SPAIN.

Waikato Argus, Volume IV, Issue 277, 21 April 1898, Page 2

AMERICA AND SPAIN.

WAR STILL PROBABLE. SENATE AND HOUSE AGREE. TROOPS MASSING. Madrid, April 19. SrAiN has abandoned all hope of peace. The official reports presented to the Government deny that any mines oxploded beneath the Maine, and further state that expert evidence of divers shows thut the explosion was internal. Washington, April 19. Senor Bernabe.the Spanish Minister at Washington, has directed the Spanish Consuls in various parts of America to arrange fur the departure of Spanish residents. Notwithstanding pressure b> President McKinley and the Speaker, the House of Representatives concurred in tho Senate's resolution, only omitting the recognition of the Cuban Republic. The Senate by a majority of 32 refused to concur with this amendment, and a conference lasting many hours proved resultless. The Senate then by a majority of one refused to appoint another conference. A number of young Republicans in the House were in favour of recognising the Republic. There is an impression that the House will eventually yield. The American press cordially recognises that the unfaltering friendship of Britain is the chief obstacle to a European alliance against America. One effect of this feeling is the striking change in the attitude townrds Canada over the sealing question. America now proposes to immediately pay Canada the award made over tbe Behring Sea difficulty, end it is probable that the proposal will not meet with any opposition from Congress. America is massing troops in Florida. This step is taken to mean that Cuba will be invaded as soon as war is declared. Four hundred Spanish colonists have sailed from Tampa, in Florida, for Havana. Later. After another conference between both Houses, lasting many hours, it was agreed to recognise the independence of Cuba, but not to recognise the present Republic. London, April 19. Mr Smalley, the New York correspondent of the Times, says that President McKinley will veto any resolution recognising the independence of Cuba, and that the President holds that 6ven a.mandatory resolution does not deprive him of executive discretion in the matter. There is much discussion over tho situation in British marine circles. In the event of war Mr Baden-Powell urges that British ports should be closed to privateers. There is an impression that Spain is trying to lure the American navy into European waters so as to avoid the difficulty of coaling her vessels so far from home. Sydney, April 19. Sydney underwriters have received a cable from New York giving the following war risks : —From New York to Australia or vice versa: American sailing ships £5 per cent, extra; British ships a-quarter per cent, extra. 'Frisco to Australia and vice versa: Sailing ships £3 per cent, extra; American steamers £t per cent, extra; British ships or steamers aquarter per cent, ratio.